Building Advocacy Skills

A review of information put together by the Learning Disabilities Association of BC -

South Vancouver Island Chapter in conjunction with

The Law Foundation of British Columbia

with some additional ideas, references, & resources

Please contact your local Learning Disabilities Association to obtain a copy of this book

(there is also a Student Edition) and to inquire about any advocacy services or

workshops available in your community.

In this presentation, the words parent(s) and guardian(s) are used interchangeably to save space. Parents, guardians, and other concerned adults should all be viewed as important in the life of a child.

with material also contributed by Barbara Laird BEdwww.beyondtheboxbasics.com

Know Your Self

You, the parent, ARE a PROFESSIONAL about your child.

Know that being a advocate is a very important part of your role as a parent or guardian.

Know that you CAN!

Know what will be hard about this and how to make it easier:

prepare notes, outline; rehearse what you want to say

bring someone to support you (silent or not so silent)

Be ASSERTIVE but not aggressive.

Use strong Communication Skills

Direct eye contact, short statements, don’t apologize, don’t ramble.

Practice Active Listening with your child, the teacher, and others involved. Listen with an open mind.

Be able to analyze problems and openly explore problem solving strategies. Be Collaborative!

Be PROFESSIONAL. Be Personable but don’t try to be ‘buddies’.

Be Positive!

Positive attitude, positive statements, positive requests, focus on the positive!

Advocacy in the school setting may bring up issues from your own childhood. Knowing this in advance will allow you to balance your energy and stay calm and focused.

Know Your Self

Your child is a student / individual first, and do not allow “them” to focus on deficits. In fact every meeting should begin by focusing on strengths.

When you attend a meeting, take a picture of your child with you, and take all relevant information and reports. Keep them in a binder, the picture of your child could be on the front.

Know that that your knowledge about your child is of paramount importance to the school /community, you have a unique perspective that no one else does or ever can.

Believe in yourself, believe that you have valuable assets and trustworthy information.

Develop confidence in yourself……..you are a “professional” about your child.

Take on the role of “case manager.” You are in this for the long haul, others will come and go.

Educate yourself, be informed and knowledgeable about the strengths and needs of your child, do your research.

Never be afraid to keep educating the professionals. Give them papers, documents, invite them to conferences and workshops of relevance for the education and understanding of your child.

Never feel guilty for a choice that you may be forced to make, sometimes we truly may have no choice. There is always the next year, the next time.

Be able to cite ministerial policy and know your child’s rights.

Have yourself or someone else observe school routine, at a distance.

Be prepared to discuss your child’s strengths and interests.

Know how your child learns best. (Visual vs Auditory vs Manual)

Know what adult styles will best support your child (collaborative, flexible, authoritarian, structured, etc.)

Learn about and promote positive behavioural support (Help the child feel competent).

Be sure you understand results of tests and assessments. Ask to meet with tester separately from IEP meeting.

What makes your child feel comfortable and safe.

Know Your Child

Funding is not the “crutch” of everything. They can’t make a decision based on resources, it has to be on what is best for the child and what enables him to learn, to participate and to be safe.

Never expect that you will receive an apology from the school / district.

Expect confidentiality. There is a “need to know” about information and only those people working directly with your child have the “need to know.”

Foster relationships between your child and other children in the class.

Be involved in events at your school, community, and playground. This will allow you to have relationships with other parents, students, and with school staff.

Connect with people at your local Learning Disabilities Association, Child Development Centre, Society for Community Living, etc.

Think about solutions that are (systemic) bigger than your child. Imagine that other children and families are sharing similar experiences.

Know Your School/Community

Day by day, work with the people who are directly involved with your child.

Make allies of all people within the system, for example, the office secretary, the janitor.

Learn the “hierarchy” of the system and “go up” one step at a time when necessary.

Always inform them when you are “going up.”

Don’t always believe what the “system” tells you, do your own research.

Remember they are employees and you don’t need them to like you or to be your friend. You need them to do their job and to respect you.

BE CONFIDENT. Learn the educational jargon and NEVER be afraid to ask for clarification or explanations if you don’t understand something.

Know Your School/Community

Decide what you want to happen and share that information, share your dreams and goals for your child. Start with the end in mind.

Begin major transitions at least two years ahead.

Choose your battles.

Decide ahead of time through research, discussion and thought, what your “bottom line” will be.

Brainstorm all your ideas, goals, dreams, concerns and worries. No thought is too trivial.

Organize all your ideas into groups of commonality. Then prioritize them, and only deal with a few at a time. You can’t deal with all your concerns at the same time.

Write down all your concerns, prioritize them, talk them over with a friend or a professional.

Plan what you are going to say in order that it will be received, understood and remembered.

In planning and at the meeting, deal with the facts, not assumptions, don’t jump to conclusions too soon or ahead of time.

Have any questions written down and don’t let them sideline you.

Before the Meeting:

Be flexible, know what your” throw always” are.

Negotiations are won or lost in the planning and preparation, not at the negotiating table.

Keep a file/ journal with the information about your child.

Make sure you always receive written confirmation of any decision.

Make sure you receive copies of all reports and correspondence.

Keep track of all phone calls and conversations.

You are entitled to look at and photocopy anything in your child’s school file. You are also entitled to remove any documents that you have given them.

Before the Meeting:

Never hesitate to take a friend or ADVOCATE with you to any meeting. But if there is a problem, or you are unsure about a meeting, always do take an advocate with you. Inform them ahead of time and expect that they will also inform you of who will be in attendance. Have the advocate take notes and watch the body language, expressions, tone of voice of the participants. This often tells you more than any decision or discussion.

Dress business like, appropriately.

Look people in the eye.

Stand and sit confidently.

Take the initiative and control by greeting others, introducing yourself and opening conversation.

Always start with a compliment and do show ongoing appreciation, be pleasant.

Do not allow them to force you or to rush you into a decision. Do not agree to anything you are not sure of. Get back to them at another time.

If you get too stressed, stop the meeting and ask for a break.

Use “I” statements, be assertive but not confrontational.

Do not personalize statement made by the other side, it may come back to you.

Don’t use extremes such as always and never.

If sabotaged by time, set the next meeting right then.

GO WITH YOUR GUT!

At the Meeting:

Take notes during a meeting, and follow up the meeting with a letter of your understanding of what was said and agreed to.

Ask for timelines on all decisions / actions / follow through etc.

Try to be clear and concise in talking about what you feel is best for your child.

Try not to talk too much and to not to give too many examples.

Correlate your evidence or documentation to the issues. Give the most compelling evidence first.

Be specific when you make a statement. “ I want…” should be followed with “because…” and the “because” comes from your well stated issues and your supporting documentation.

Don’t accept No as an answer, try to change the question so that you get a positive answer.

Be prepared to ask questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask “why?”

Be prepared to answer questions, and if you don’t know the answers don’t say anything except to tell them you will get back to them with the answers, information etc.

Don’t lose your cool, be patient and learn self – control.

At the Meeting:

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can be found on line at: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/charter/index.html The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is an important law because all other laws and policies must be consistent with the provisions found within the charter. A child’s right to equitably access public education begins with Section 15(1) of the Charter. It states:

“Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability ”

This section of the Charter makes it clear that every individual in Canada is considered equal. This means that government cannot discriminate in its laws or programs, including the provision of public education. A child with a learning disability cannot be denied opportunities available to their non-disabled peers.

The Charter recognizes that equal doesn’t always mean the same for everyone. The Charter allows for certain laws or programs that favour disadvantaged individuals or groups.

For example, programs aimed at supporting the unique learning style of a student with learning disabilities are recognized as equitable under the Charter.

Canadian Federal LawsThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

The BC Human Rights Code can be found on line at: http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96210_01 The BC Human Rights Code also recognizes that people with disabilities can face discrimination. A child’s right to access educational accommodations, facilities and services are covered in Section 8 (1) of the Code.8 (1) “A person must not, without a bona fide and reasonable justification, deny to a person or class of persons any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public, or discriminate against a person or class of persons regarding any accommodation, service or facility customarily available to the public because of the race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, or sexual orientation of that person or class of persons. ”

British Columbia Provincial Law

The BC School Act can be found on line at:http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/96412_00 The most comprehensive Act that governs education in BC is the BC School Act. Student and parent/guardian rights are outlined in this piece of legislation. School Act: Sections of Particular RelevanceThe Right to Access Education (SchoolAct, Part 2, Division 1,Sections 2.1, 2.2)Children can access a school education program when they are of school age and are a resident of that school district. If the child is not a resident of the school district, they may still attend a program if the board of theschool district determines that space and facilities are available.The Right to be Informed (School Act, Part 2, Division 2,Section 7.1 (a)) Parents have the right to be informed about a child’s attendance, behavior and progress in school.The Right to Receive Information (SchoolAct, Part 2, Division 2, Section 7.1(b)) Parents may request and be given a copy of the school plan and the accountability contract for the school district.The Right to Participate (SchoolAct, Part 2, Division 2, Section 7.1 (c)) Parents have the right to belong to a Parent Advisory Council if one is established at the child’s school

British Columbia Provincial Law

The Right to Consultation (SchoolAct, Part 2, Division 1, Section 7.2 and Section 4)Parent may consult with the child‘s teacher(s), principal, vice principal or director of instruction with respect to the child’s educational program. The child is also entitled to consult with his or her teacher(s), principal, vice principal or director of instruction about their educational program.The Right to Examine Records (SchoolAct, Division 3, Section 9.1)Parents and child may, upon request and while accompanied by the principal or a person designated by the principal to interpret the records, examine all of the child’s records. May also receive a copy, with or without a fee, of any of the child’s records.The Right to Appeal (SchoolAct Division 3, Section 11)Every school district must establish an appeal procedure. Parents have the right to appeal a school board employee’s decision or lack of decision which significantly affects the education, health or safety of the child. The appeal must be made within a reasonable time from the date you were informed of the decision.You may be directed to discuss the appeal with one or more persons before the appeal is heard by the school board. The board may refuse to hear the appeal if you do not comply. Appeal decisions made by the board must be made as soon a practical after receiving the appeal and the decision promptly delivered. Decisions of the board are final.

British Columbia Provincial Law School Act http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/96412_00

The Role of the Ministry of EducationThe Ministry’s role is to: develop guidelines; develop policies; provide the funding for special education; and audit the districts’ programs and services to ensure they are complying with ministry criteria for reporting special needs students.

Not every category of special education is audited every year in each district. Certain categories are selected and the auditors check to see that students who are designated have appropriate documentation, assessment information and services provided.

They D0 NOT evaluate the quality, quantity, or appropriateness of those services.

www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policieswww.bced.gov.bc.ca/legislation/schoollaw/

BC Ministry of Education: Policies & Procedures

Policy on Diversity in BC Schools - A Framework This policy can be read in full on line at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/diversity.htm The school system strives to ensure that differences among learners do not impede their participation in school, their mastery of learning outcomes or their ability to become contributing members of society.The school system strives to create and maintain conditions that foster success for all students and that promote fair and equitable treatment for all. These conditions include:

Equitable access to and equitable participation in quality education for all students.School cultures that value diversity and respond to the diverse social and cultural needs of the communities they serve.School cultures that promote understanding of others and respect for all.Learning and working environments that are safe and welcoming, free from discrimination, harassment and violence.Decision making processes that give a voice to all members of the school community.Policies and practices that promote fair and equitable treatment.

BC Ministry of Education: Policies & Procedures

Policy Regarding Eligibility for Special Education ServicesMinistry of Education, Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines can be found on line at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg.htm The Ministry of Education’s definition of students with special needs includes students who have “learningdisabilities, a disability of an intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional or behavioural nature, or have exceptional gifts or talents.”ADHD is not always considered a special need under this definition, but can be in certain circumstancesIn order to be eligible for special education programs and services a child must meet certain diagnostic criteria . All students generate funding for the school district. Some students may be eligible for supplemental funding. Various funding formulas have been used and are subject to change. While understanding the funding system can be helpful, it is more important to understand HOW your child is affected by their learning disability,and what you as parents and teachers can do to support the child in their learning.

Seems to be based on psycho-educational testing or physician diagnoses

BC Ministry of Education: Policies & Procedures

Special Education Policies can be found online at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ and http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg.htm The following policies (1 through 3) apply to students who have been reported to the Ministry of Education as students with special needs.1. The Placement of Students with Special Needs: The school board must ensure that a principal offers to consult with parents about a child’s placement in an educational program. The school board must provide the child with an educational program in a classroom where he or she is integrated with other students who do not have special needs, unless the educational needs of the child, or of other students, indicate that the educational program should be provided otherwise.2. Planning for Students with Special Needs:(Individual Education Plans)A resouce guide on IEPs can be found online at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/iepssn.htm The school board must ensure that an IEP is designed for a child as soon as practical after the board identities the child as having special needs, A student with special needs is entitled to an IEP if:• the student requires more than just minor adaptations to educational materials, or instructional or assessment methods, or• the student is working on outcomes other then the prescribed outcomes of the curriculum, or• the student is working on the regular outcomes with little or no adaptations, but receives 25 hours or more of remedial help from someone other than the classroom teacher to meet the expected learning outcomesThe school board must ensure that the child’s IEP is reviewed at least once each school year. Parents, and where appropriate the child, are to be given the opportunity to be consulted about the preparation of the IEP. The student must be offered learning activities in accordance with the IEP designed for him or her..

BC Ministry of Education: Policy on Special Needs

The following policies (1 through 3) apply to students who have been reported to the Ministry of Education as students with special needs.3. Reporting for Students with Special Needs: This policy can be found on page 20-21 of the manual (http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/special_ed_policy_manual.pdf#page=20) Where the child’s program is modified, that is if the child is unable to demonstrate his or her learning in relation to expected learning outcomes set out in the curriculum for the course or subject and grade, his or her progress report(s) must contain written comments describing: ° what the child is able to do; ° the areas in which the child requires further attention or development; and ° the ways of supporting the child in his or her learning.The report described above must contain a statement that the progress the child makes is in relation to theexpected learning outcomes set out in his or her IEP (a modified program). Where appropriate, written comments should describe ways to enable the child to demonstrate his or her learning in relation to expected learning outcomes set out in the curriculum for the course or subject and grade, and should describe the time period required to enable the student to demonstrate such learning.

A letter grade (the typical manner for reporting student progress in grades 4 through 12) may only be assignedfor a child where he or she is able to demonstrate his or her learning in relation to expected learning outcomes set out in the curriculum for the course or subject and grade.Where a professional support person other than the classroom teacher is responsible for providing some portion of a child’s educational program, that person should provide written reports on the child’s progress for inclusion with the report of the classroom teacher.

BC Ministry of Education: Policy on ReportingSpecial Education Policies can be found online at: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ and http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg.htm

Policy Regarding Adjudication: This policy can be found on line at http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/exams/adjudication/

Some students are unable to write their Provincial examinations under normal circumstances because of their special needs. Currently, Provincial exams are written for specific subjects from Grade 10 through Grade 12. The adjudication process is designed to adapt Provincial exam conditions. The content of the exam is not modified, but eligible students may be allowed extra time, receive a different exam format, or use an alternative means of recording their answers to exam questions.To be eligible, a child’s principal must submit a request form with the appropriate supporting documentation by a specific date to the Board of Examiners for their approval. Each request is reviewed individually. If you believe a child is eligible to receive these adaptations, speak with the Principal early in the school year to make sure the child will receive this support when it is time to write the exams.Currently, all students writing provincial exams have one hour of extra time on provincial exams and may also usea computer (without spellchecker or grammar check) on provincial exams without adjudication.

BC Ministry of Education: Policy on Adjudication for Provincial Exams

Policy Regarding Suspension: The School Board authorizes the principal of any school in the district to suspend a student from attendance atschool for five days or fewer and to remove a suspension that he/she has imposed. Students under the age of16, who are suspended from school, must be provided with an educational program.Policy for Special Needs Funding: A child with special needs may require additional support and accommodations to enable them to access and participate in educational programs. Currently, the Basic Allocation, a standard amount of money provided per school age student enrolled in a school district, includes funds to support the learning needs of students who are identified as having learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, students requiring moderate behaviour supports and students who are gifted.

It is important to recognize that it is the identified needs of your child that regulates the services he/she receives - not the funding generated by their diagnosis.

BC Ministry of Education: Policies & Procedures

The expression of a learning disability is unique to the individual and so requires an individual approach for planning how best to support his/her extra learning needs. With few exceptions, students who have been identified as having learning disabilities will require adaptations, accommodations and/or extra support services in order to be successful learners. Some students may require modifications to some or all aspects of their learning outcomes.

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is used to document the nature of the interventions designed to support the child’s learning for that school year. Students who have not been identified as having special needs, but who receive 25 hours or more of service in a school year, over and above the regular classroom, should also have an IEP.Most students with learning disabilities will have an IEP developed for them. However, some students with a learning disability may not require one if:° their learning needs require only minor adaptations to their educational materials, or instructional or assessment methods;° their expect learning outcomes have not been modified; and° they receive less that 25 hours remedial instruction in a school year provided by other than the classroom teacher.

If you believe a child should have an IEP but does not, consult the child’s teacher or principal.

Ministry of Education Policy Regarding Special Education Programs and Services

Ministry of Education - The IEP

What is an IEP?An IEP is a documented plan, developed for your child, that describes individualized goals, adaptations, where necessary modifications, the services to be provided, and includes measures for tracking of achievement. The development of the IEP is a collaborative effort shared with you, your child, (where appropriate), the school and, as necessary, school district personnel, and other ministries and/or community agencies.

What Does an IEP Contain?The child’s IEP may be brief or very detailed depending on the complexity of his or her needs. The format for writing an IEP varies from district to district, and sometimes from school to school within a district, but are typically developed based on a set of goals and objectives established for individual students.The Ministry of Education’s policy states that an IEP should have one or more of the following:The goals set for that student for that school year (where the goals are different from the learning outcomes set out in an applicable educational program guide (modified curriculum); )A list of the support services required to achieve the goals established for the students; andA list of the adaptations to educational materials, instructional strategies or assessment methods.

The Ministry further recommends that an IEP should also include the following:° The present level of educational performance of the student;° The setting where the educational program is to be provided;° The names of all personnel who will be providing the educational program and the support services for the student during the school year° The period of time and process for review of the IEP; evidence of evaluation or review, which could include revisions made to the plan and the tracking of achievement in relation to goals; and° Plans for the next transition point in the student’s education (including transitions beyond school completion) and linkages to Graduation Portfolio during Grades 10-12.

You may wish to discuss the above items with the person who is developing the child’s plan to have them included in the child’s IEP. It is important that the child’s IEP includes items that support that child’s unique learning needs.For students who follow modified programs, the Ministry recommends that goals be set at a high but attainable level to encourage parents, students and staff to hold high expectations. They also recommend that each goal should be accompanied by measurable objectives to enable a proper review and evaluation.

Ministry of Education - The IEP

Learning Assistance:The Learning Assistance program supports teachers with students who have mild to moderate difficulties withlearning and adjustment. To be eligible for Learning Assistance, students do not need to be identified in one of the special education categories. Each school determines who is eligible for this service and how it will be offered.Learning Assistance programs can include remedial help; strategies for learning; consultation with classroomteachers; and some assessment of the student’s learning needs and progress.If a child has a mild or moderate Learning Disability, he or she may be eligible for a learning assistance program. For children with Severe Learning Disabilities, intervention, more intensive than learning assistance, is recommended.

Counseling Services:School counseling services are available to students, families, educators and the community to support the intellectual development human and social development, and career development of each student. Referral to counseling services can usually be provided through the school-based team.

School Psychology Services:School psychology services are a district-based educational and mental health program. The services aredesigned to support students, school personnel and guardians in enhancing a student’s academic, behaviouraland social skill development. School psychologists also perform assessment services to aid teachers in planning for students with special needs. Some services may be informal such as observing students and gathering information through interviews. Other assessment services may be formal, like psycho-educational assessments that includeintelligence testing and achievement testing etc. These tests are used to identify students with Learning Disabilities.

Ministry of Education - Special Services

Speech and Language Services:Speech-Language services are designed to support students whose education or social development is adversely affected by communication and language difficulties. Services may be provided directly to the student or indirectly by providing classroom teachers with information about how best to meet the needs of students.Access to speech-language services is by school-based team referral.Physiotherapy:Physiotherapy is a service provided to help students who have difficulties with physical movement. It is designedto promote the student’s maximum independence in his or her home, school and community. Access to this service is usually based on school-based team referral.Occupational Therapy:Occupational therapy is a service which is designed to help students improve their performance in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure when they have difficulty functioning in these areas in a school setting. Access to this service is usually based on school-based team referral.Hospital and Homebound Education Services:Hospital Education services are designed to enable students to continue their education while in hospital. Homebound education services are designed to enable students who are absent from school due to illness or related medical/ psychiatric reasons to continue their education.These services may or may not be available to your child. Please consult with your child’s school principal to determine if your child may be eligible for these services.

Ministry of Education - Special Services

School districts are responsible for making sure that special education services and programs are delivered to students who require them. They must also make sure that the programs and services available to all students and their parents are also available to those with special needs. The district has a responsibility to:•Describe and make public the services and programs they offer and how to access them, the process they use to identify and plan for students with special needs, as well as how they determine the student’s special education placement;Identify how information will be reported and how records will be kept for tracking Individual Education Plans (|EPs), identify how guardians and other professionals will be included in the process and how they will evaluate and report on the child’s progress;Identify how they will plan, monitor, and evaluate their special education programs and services;Have a clear process for guardians to appeal a decision, or the lack of a decision that affect a child’s health, education or safety;

Local School District Education & Services

The district has a responsibility to:

•Provide a description of the kinds of specialized staff they employ in the district, including job descriptions and the necessary qualifications;

•Determine the kinds of services and programs necessary for meeting the needs of special needs students, secure the funding and staff needed to offer them, and make sure they are distributed fairly to all the schools in the district;

•Provide advice and assistance to help principals and teachers meet their responsibilities to exceptional students (they do this in part by planning professional development programs for staff and by providing advice and assistance for developing the district’s special education policies and procedures);

•Involve community representatives of groups concerned with exceptional students in planning programs and in their evaluation.

Local School District Education & Services

Local School DistrictThe Roles of School District Personnel:

Education & Servic

Principals:The powers and duties of principals are set out in regulations under the School Act. They include the responsibility for the implementation of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and the placement and programming ofstudents. Principals are to ensure that teachers receive the information they need to work with each child withspecial needs and that the school is organized to provide each child with the necessary direct support.

Principals are also responsible for seeing that the school-based team is functioning and for helping team members meet the special needs of students. They do this in part by assigning a case manager to each designated child. The case manager coordinates the development, writing, and implementation of the Individual Education Plan (IEP).Teachers:Teachers are responsible for designing, supervising and assessing the educational program for students in theirclass, including students with special needs. Where a child requires specialized instruction, this is most effective when it is done in consultation with the teacher, the resource personnel available, with the parent(s) and with the child.Teachers are key to implementing the child’s individualized program. If a child receives specialized instruction,his or her teacher should meet with the school’s specialist staff, with parent(s), and where appropriate, the child, to discuss the program. Teachers should also adapt their teaching style, activities and curriculum to enable all of the students in their classroom to succeed.

Where a child’s program involves specialized instruction by someone other than the classroom teacher,collaborative processes are required to make best use of the expertise of the specialists available to assist and toensure a co-ordinated approach. In secondary schools, where several teachers may be involved in a child’s program, coordinated planning is especially important.Teacher Assistants (TAs) and Special Education Assistants (SEAs):The School Act allows school board’s to employ a person, other than a teacher, to assist a teacher to carry out their responsibilities. Assistants to teachers are known by a variety of names including Teacher Assistants (TAs) and Special Education Assistants (SEAs). TAs and SEAs work under the general supervision of a teacher or administrative officer.Teacher assistants may assist in performing a range of activities from personal care to assisting the teacherwith instruction. They may be responsible for helping one or several students in the classroom. However,teachers, not teacher assistants, are expected to design programs for students with special needs. Assistants also help gather information for reporting a student’s progress, however they do not assess or report on student progress.

In some cases, school districts have developed their own policies for special education. These policies are in addition to, and must comply with, Ministry policies. Check with your local school board to see if your school district has its own policies for special education delivery.

Local School DistrictThe Roles of School District Personnel:

Education & Servic

Sometimes, a parent or guardian may be dissatisfied with the services or lack thereof provided to a child. School districts are required to have a written appeal process to have concerns addressed. Generally, the procedure involves approaching the person who is immediately involved in the situation -- usually the classroom teacher. Sometimes, one may have to go to a higher level of authority to have concerns heard and acted upon. The next level of authority is the principal. From there, if the situation is not resolved, a parent will be directed to take concerns to the Superintendent, or a person designated by the superintendent, for a hearing. This may be an assistant superintendent, or a district department head. From there, if still unresolved, the Board of Trustees will hear a final appeal.The Chain of Command:Teacher Principal Superintendent Board ofTrustees

It is important that you do not miss anyone in the “chain of command” or the appeal may be denied.

YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDGuardians seeking information about special education programs and services in their school District should contact their School Board to request a copy of the District’s Policy for Special Education. School District policy is made in addition to Ministry policy. Typically it contains information about locally offered programs and services.

School District Policies for Special EducationAdministrative Fairness - The Appeal Process

Schools MUST develop a written appeal procedure and make it available to guardians and students. The appeal process should be consistent with fundamental justice and procedural fairness, including the following principles:✓ The right to ask for and be given an opportunity to have your case heard; The right to reasonable notice of and adequate time to prepare for an appeal meeting; The right to present evidence and to hear all evidence presented; The right to be provided with explanations of any evidence presented; The right to obtain a copy of the minutes of the hearing and a copy of the final reports. You have the right to request that all that is said at the hearing be transcribed by a court reporter so that what is recorded is a verbatim transcription rather than a synopsis of what was said in the minutes. You may have to pay for this service.; The right to be assisted by others who may provide moral support, expertise, or legal counsel; The right to take notes during the hearing or be allowed to tape record the hearing; The right to receive, upon request, the information to be provided to the person(s) hearing the complaint, sufficiently in advance of the hearing, to allow you to properly prepare and respond;

School District Policies for Special EducationAdministrative Fairness - The Appeal Process

The right to have assistance not only from a lawyer or educator, but the right to have a lawyer or whoever you choose to speak on your behalf; The right to request that an interpreter be available if English is not your first language;The right to have your child present during the hearing and to have your child’s views and wishes considered as part of the evidence;The right to secure for your child his or her own independent counsel or advocate to speak at the hearing;The right to engage an expert to give opinions or evidence on the position of the school board and whether that position will have the effect of satisfying your child’s educational needs. The expert may be present during the hearing to give further opinion or evidence on the issue of what educational program will better secure your child’s needs:The right to know in advance the names of the people hearing your concerns and who will make the decision. You have the right to make reasonable inquiries about these individuals to ensure there is no conflict of interest;The right to request an adjournment or a postponement of the hearing in advance, at the outset or during the hearing if you feel you are not adequately prepared or if you feel you are faced with information not previously received, or received but with inadequate time to prepare a response. While you have the right to make the request, you are not necessarily entitled to have the hearing adjourned.If you are involved in an appeal, ensure these principles of administrative fairness are being followed.

School District Policies for Special EducationAdministrative Fairness - The Appeal Process

Special Needs Contacts

To find local school board contact person, refer to this list:http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/apps/imcl/imclWeb/SN.do

There are a number of legal and quasi-legal avenues guardians and students can utilize when trying to resolve theircomplaints.

They include: OMBUDSMAN’S ACT (see http://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/index.php) The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial investigator of complaints concerning government administrativeunfairness. The Ombudsman can, when appropriate, recommend changes to resolve the unfairness. Section 7 of the Ombudsmans Act makes it applicable to schools and school boards.

The Ombudsman can receive complaints from individual guardians or groups of guardians but will not serve as their advocates. Generally, complaints to the Ombudsman should deal with delays, indifference, rudeness, negligence, arbitrariness, oppressive behaviour, arrogance, and/or unlawfulness. The office has the discretion to decide which complaints are investigated and which are not. Very often complaints are resolved at the intake level. If they are not, they can be passed along to one of the Ombudsman’s investigators to determine if an investigation is warranted.

The Ombudsman’s Office can make recommendations to resolve administrative unfairness but they cannot order an authority to change its actions or decisions.

Guardians should consider the Office of the Ombudsman as a last resort. Persons filing a complaint are encouraged to first go through the school district’s appeal process and complain to the Ombudsman only if this proves unsuccessful.

A complaint form is available on the Ombudsman’s web page athttps://www.ombudsman.bc.ca/how-to-make-a-complaint/online-complaint-form or by calling 1-800-567-3247

The purpose of this Act is to make public bodies more accountable to the public and to protect personal privacy by:• Giving you the right to access public records; Giving you the right of access to, and a right to request correction of, personal information about yourself on public record; Specifying limited exceptions to the right of access; Preventing the unauthorized collection, use or disclosure of personal information by public bodies, and; Providing for an independent review of decisions made under this act.Every BC school district has appointed a Freedom of Information, Protection of Privacy Officer. Your requests and concerns should be forwarded to that person.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, PROTECTION OF PRIVACY ACT

Human Rights legislation is anti-discrimination legislation that seeks to ensure the fair treatment of peopleaccessing government-sponsored and public services. Specifically, the statute provides a right not to bediscriminated against in the provision of goods, services, or facilities customarily available to the public.It can be argued that education is a “service or facility customarily available to the public” and, therefore,subject to protection under the BC Human Rights Code. While the BC Human Rights Code seems to guarantee the right to education, the content of that education is left largely up to school boards to decide.The BC Human Rights Code also protects against discrimination based on race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital and family status, physical and mental disability, sex, sexual orientation and age of that person.The Tribunal investigates complaints of discrimination by collecting information from people who feel they have experienced discrimination and the person or organization that is being “named”. The complaint process is neutral and free of charge.

To file a complaint, contact the Tribunal at:

THE BC HUMAN RIGHTS TRIBUNAL

Tel: (604) 775-2000 ortoll free in BC 1-888-440-8844Fax: (604) 775- 2020Website: www.bchrt.bc.caBC Human Rights Tribunal1170-605 Robson StreetVancouver, BC V8B 513

The Charter may be referred to in various hearings and in discussions with those making decisions about your child to support your child’s right to equal access to an education.Section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states,“Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. ”It can be argued that a right to education is fundamental to effectively exercising other Charter rights such as the right to vote, freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression. If a person is entitled the right to an education, then government authorities must facilitate access to the right (re: Public Service Employee Act [1987]).In section 15 ,the equality section, the Charter provides that, “every individual is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability ”Subsection (1) states, “Subsection (1) does not preclude any law, programs or activity that has as its objective the amelioration of conditions of disadvantaged individuals or groups including those that are disadvantaged because of race, national or ethnic origins, colour religion, sex, age, or mental or physical disability ”It can be interpreted that s.15 (1) mandates that all Canadians equally benefit from the laws which facilitatethe delivery of education to the public. This makes s.15 a very important tool for equity of educational opportunity.Provision s.24(1) of the Charter reads,”Anyone whose rights or freedoms, as guaranteed by this Charter have been infringed or denied may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to obtain such remedy as the court considers appropriate and just in the circumstances. ”The Charter also declares in s.52(1).,that “The Constitution of Canada is the supreme law of the land and anylaw that is inconsistent with it has no force or effect.”

THE CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

CIVIL LAWSUITA civil lawsuit involves suing a school board in court to enforce a right an individual has under the School Act,or to enforce any breach of one’s rights under the Charter. If you are considering a civil lawsuit, you shouldconsult with a lawyer.JUDICIAL REVIEWA Judicial Review is another court process where the Supreme Court of British Columbia can be asked toreview the decisions of the school board, (i.e., the appeal process, where it is felt the decision has beenunfair). There are limited grounds on which the Court can interfere with a school board’s decision, however, ifthe Review is successful, the Court has the power to order new hearings or direct how the issue is to be resolved. The significant advantage, however, is that if a judicial decision is made, a precedent will be set whichmay be binding upon future similar situations. The disadvantages are the costs in hiring a lawyer, the length oftime it can take to get to court, and the possibility of paying the school board’s legal costs if the Review isunsuccessful. If a judicial Review is to be considered you should consult with a lawyer.

LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICECALL 604.687.3221 or 1-800-663-1919 toll free The lawyer referral service can help you determine if your concern can be addressed through legal means, how long it may take and how much it may cost. You will be given a half-hour of consultation for a $25 fee + tax (GST and PST).

Other Avenues

Canada has signed a number of international declarations that guarantee children the right to an education.

Article 13 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right of everyone to an education. This supersedes similar provisions within the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of the Rights of the Child.

Such declarations provide no immediate remedy to those seeking redress, however, they are important to refer to in court and to remind school officials of their obligations.

International Declarations

Additional Resources

http://www.vpsinclusion.net/index.html

http://bctf.ca/uploadedFiles/Public/Issues/InclusiveEd/RolesAndResponsibilitiesTeachersTAs.pdf

http://momsnetwork.ca/

www.beyondtheboxbasics.com

Additional Resources

http://www.firstcallbc.org/

http://www.fitnetworksociety.com/ http://www.ldac-acta.ca

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•www.youth2youth.ca•www.pacfold.ca•www.righttolearn.ca•www.ldav.ca

additional links and resources can be found on the “advocacy” and “resources” pages of my website at

www.marclandry.ca